Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: a display panel including: a functional area defined by an opening formed in the display panel; and a display area defined as an area where a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged, surrounding the functional area; and a functional module including a lens disposed overlapping the functional area, wherein only some of the plurality of light emitting elements of the display panel are configured to emit light in a low power mode, and wherein all of the plurality of light emitting elements are configured to emit light in a general mode; and wherein the display device is configured to, in the low power mode, provide a predetermined information to a user formed by the boundary between the functional area and the display area and an image formed by light emission of the some of the plurality of light emitting elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/242,485, filed on Apr. 28, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/455,614, filed on Jun. 27, 2019, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 11,023,001, which claims priority from and the benefitof Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0090012, filed on Aug. 1, 2018,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as iffully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary implementations of the invention relate generally to a displaydevice having an always-on display mode.

Discussion of the Background

A display device may be various types such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wearable device, andthe like.

When a user views simple information like a clock, since the displaydevice is restarted, on/off is frequently repeated. In order to reducesuch inconvenience of users, in the standby state, an always-on display(AOD) mode function is added to the display device to always display theinformation specified by the user such as clock, calendar, and the likeon the screen.

Also, as the area of the display area disposed on the front surface ofthe display device increases, a camera module or a sensor moduledisposed in the display area may reduce the user recognition ofinformation displayed in the display area.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

Devices constructed according to exemplary implementations/embodimentsof the invention are capable of improving the aesthetics of a displaydevice and to provide information necessary for a user by using imagesdisplayed in a display area in the always-on mode and shapes of someparts recognized in the display area.

Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention, adisplay device includes: a display panel including: a first functionalarea configured not to display an image; and a display area surroundingthe first functional area, the display area configured to display animage; and a first functional module including a first lens disposed ata lower part of the display panel overlapping the first functional area,wherein the display panel is configured to: display a first always-onimage in a part of the display area adjacent to the first functionalarea in response to the display device being in an always-on mode; anddisplay a general image in the entire display area in response to thedisplay device being in a normal display mode, and switch from thealways-on mode to the normal display mode according to an input signalreceived from a user, and wherein the display device is configured to,in the always-on mode, provide a predetermined information to a userthrough a combination of the first functional area and the firstalways-on image.

The predetermined information may be status information indicating acurrent status.

The status information may include information corresponding to acurrent time.

The status information may include information corresponding to aremaining battery level of the display device.

The status information may include information corresponding to pointsof the compass.

The predetermined information may correspond to an alarm signal.

The predetermined information may be an emoticon having a specificexpression.

The first functional area may overlap an opening formed in the displaypanel.

The display panel may include a base layer, a circuit layer disposed onthe base layer, a light emitting element layer disposed on the circuitlayer, and an encapsulation layer sealing the light emitting elementlayer. The first functional area may overlap a first opening formed onthe circuit layer and a second opening formed on the light emittingelement layer.

The first functional module may further include a sensor for receivinglight incident through the first lens.

The first functional module may further include a light emitting modulefor emitting light through the first lens.

The display device may further include: a second functional areasurrounded by the display area, the second functional area configurednot to display an image.

The display device may further include a second functional moduleincluding a second lens disposed under the display panel overlapping thesecond functional area.

The display panel may be configured to display a second always-on imagein a part of the display area adjacent to the second functional area inresponse to the display device being in the always-on mode, and thedisplay device may be configured to, in the always-on mode, provide thepredetermined information to the user by the first functional area, thesecond functional area, the first always-on image, and the secondalways-on image.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention, adisplay device includes: a display panel including: a functional areadefined by an opening formed in the display panel; and a display areadefined as an area where a plurality of light emitting elements arearranged, surrounding the functional area; and a functional moduleincluding a lens disposed overlapping the functional area, wherein onlysome of the plurality of light emitting elements of the display panelare configured to emit light in response to the display device being ina low power mode, and wherein all of the plurality of light emittingelements are configured to emit light in response to the display devicebeing in a general mode; and wherein the display device is configuredto, in the low power mode, provide a predetermined information to a userformed by the boundary between the functional area and the display areaand an image formed by light emission of the some of the plurality oflight emitting elements.

The predetermined information may include status information indicatinga current status.

The status information may include at least one of informationcorresponding to a current time, information corresponding to aremaining battery level of the display device, and informationcorresponding to points of the compass.

The predetermined information may correspond to an alarm signal.

The predetermined information may be an emoticon having a specificexpression.

The functional module may further include a sensor for receiving lightincident through the first lens.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theinventive concepts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary display device constructed according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectional views taken along a sectionalline of FIG. 1, respectively.

Each of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrates a modified exemplaryembodiment corresponding to the AA portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary display device constructed according toan exemplary embodiment.

Each of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrates a modified exemplaryembodiment corresponding to the BB portion of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of theinvention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” areinterchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices ormethods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosedherein. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details or with one or moreequivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplaryembodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. Forexample, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of anexemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplaryembodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

In the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Yonly, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as,for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), andthe like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, todescribe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustratedin the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/ormanufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Forexample, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrationsof idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapesof regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from,for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in thedrawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions maynot reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are notnecessarily intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an exemplary display device DD accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectionalviews taken along a sectional line of FIG. 1, respectively.

The display device DD may be used for small and medium-sized electronicdevices such as mobile phones, tablets, car navigations, game consoles,and smart watches in addition to large-sized electronic devices such astelevisions and monitors.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display area DA, a non-display area NDA, and afunctional area FA may be defined in the display device DD.

The display area DA may be defined as an area where an image IM isdisplayed. FIG. 1 shows application icons and a clock window as anexample of the image IM.

The non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA and may bedefined as an area where the image IM is not displayed.

The functional area FA may be defined as an area where the image IM isnot displayed and a user may perform a specific function. The specificfunction may include, for example, a photographing function, an externalobject proximity detection function, an infrared ray detection function,an iris recognition function, a face recognition function, or a lightemission function.

The functional area FA may be surrounded by the display area DA. Theboundary BD between the functional area FA and the display area DA maybe viewed by the users of the display device DD. In addition, thefunctional area FA itself may be distinguished from the display area DAand may be viewed by users.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the display device DD may include a window memberWM, a display module DM, and a functional module CM.

The window member WM may include a transparent material for transmittinglight emitted from the display module DM. The window member WM mayinclude a glass or polymeric material.

The display module DM may include a display panel DP and an inputsensing circuit ISC.

The input sensing circuit ISC is capable of sensing externally appliedtouch and/or pressure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing circuit ISC may be placeddirectly on the display panel DP. Here, the direct placement means thatthe input sensing circuit ISC is disposed on the display panel DPwithout a separate adhesive member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the input sensing circuit ISC may bedisposed on the display panel DP by an adhesive member.

The display area DA-DM and the functional area FA-DM may be defined inthe display module DM. The display area DA-DM and the functional areaFA-DM of the display module DM correspond to the display area DA (seeFIG. 1) and the functional area FA (see FIG. 1), respectively.

The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer CL, alight emitting element layer ELL, and an encapsulation layer TL.

The base layer BL may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, ametal substrate, or an organic/inorganic composite material substrate asa flexible substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer BL mayhave a rigid nature, and in other embodiments, the base layer BL mayhave a flexible nature.

The circuit layer CL is disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit layerCL may include an organic layer and an inorganic layer. The circuitlayer CL may include a plurality of transistors. The circuit layer CLmay provide an electrical signal to the light emitting element layer ELLthrough the transistors.

The light emitting element layer ELL is disposed on the circuit layerCL. The light emitting element layer ELL may include a plurality oflight emitting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the light emittingelements may be organic light emitting diodes. However, the inventiveconcept is not limited thereto, and the light emitting elements may be amicro Light Emitting Diode (LED) or a quantum dot LED.

The light emitting element layer ELL may receive an electrical signalfrom the circuit layer CL and emit light. The image IM (see FIG. 1) maybe formed by the light emitted to the light emitting element layer ELL.

The encapsulation layer TL is placed on the light emitting element layerELL and may seal the light emitting element layer ELL. The encapsulationlayer TL may protect the light emitting element layer ELL from foreignsubstances such as moisture and dust.

In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer TL may be in theform of a substrate spaced apart from the light emitting element layerELL. In another exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer TL may bein the form of a thin film disposed directly on one side of the lightemitting element layer ELL.

An opening OP-DM may be defined in the display module DM. In anexemplary embodiment, the functional area FA-DM of the display module DMmay be defined as the area corresponding to the opening OP-DM of thedisplay module DM.

The functional module CM is disposed at the lower part of the displaymodule DM. The functional module CM may be, for example, a cameramodule, an infrared sensor module, a light emitting module, or an irisrecognition module.

The functional module CM may include a lens LS, a functional componentPT, and a circuit board part PCB.

The lens LS may be disposed overlapping the functional area FA-DM of thedisplay module DM.

The functional component PT may be placed at the lower part of the lensLS. The functional component PT may be mounted on the circuit board partPCB to perform a predetermined function.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the functional module CM is a cameramodule, the functional component PT may be an image sensor that receiveslight through the lens LS.

The image sensor may be, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD)sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the functional module CM is an infraredsensor module, the functional component PT may be a light emittingelement that emits infrared light or an infrared sensor that sensesinfrared light. In an exemplary embodiment, if the functional module CMis an infrared sensor module, the lens LS may be omitted.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the functional module CM is a lightemitting module, the functional component PT may be a light emittingelement that emits light. In an exemplary embodiment, if the functionalmodule CM is a light emitting module, the lens LS may be omitted.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the functional module CM is an irisrecognition module, the functional component PT may be a sensor forrecognizing the iris. In an exemplary embodiment, if the functionalmodule CM is an iris recognition module, the lens LS may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the display device DD may include a window memberWM, a display module DM-1, and a functional module CM. The displaymodule DM-1 may include a display panel DP-1 and an input sensingcircuit ISC. The display area DA-DM and the functional area FA-DM may bedefined in the display module DM-1.

The display panel DP-1 may include a base layer BL-1, a circuit layerCL, a light emitting element layer ELL, and an encapsulation layer TL-1.

An opening OP-CL may be defined in the circuit layer CL. The openingOP-ELL may be defined for the light emitting element layer ELL. Theopening OP-ISC may be defined in the input sensing circuit ISC. Theopening OP-CL of the circuit layer CL, the opening OP-ELL of the lightemitting element layer ELL, and the opening OP-ISC of the input sensingcircuit ISC may overlap each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the functional area FA-DM of the displaymodule DM may be defined by at least one of the opening OP-CL of thecircuit layer CL, the opening OP-ELL of the light emitting element layerELL, and the opening OP-ISC of the input sensing circuit ISC.

Unlike the base layer BL and the encapsulation layer TL shown in FIG.2A, an opening is not defined in the base layer BL-1 and theencapsulation layer TL-1 shown in FIG. 2B. This is because thefunctional module CM may perform necessary functions even if there is noopening in the base layer BL and the encapsulation layer TL. Forexample, if the functional module CM is an infrared sensor, sinceinfrared light may easily penetrate the base layer BL and theencapsulation layer TL, the functional module CM may operate normallyeven if there is no opening in the base layer BL and the encapsulationlayer TL.

Other configurations of the display module DM-1 are substantially thesame as those described with reference to FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, at the lower part of the window member WM,since the lamination structure of the display modules DM and DM-1corresponding to the display area DA-DM is different from the laminationstructure of the display modules DM and DM-1 corresponding to thefunctional area FA-DM, the functional area FA or the boundary BD of thedisplay device DD may be visually distinguished from the display area DAof the display device DD to the users.

The display device DD may include a normal display mode and an always-onmode.

The normal display mode may be a mode in which the user intentionallyoperates the display device DD to receive the image IM through thedisplay device DD. In the normal display mode, the image IM may bedisplayed throughout the display area DA. In the normal display mode,all of the light emitting elements of the light emitting element layerELL may emit light. However, in some cases, only a part of the lightemitting elements may emit light in the normal display mode.

The image IM as shown in FIG. 1 may be an example of an imageimplemented through the display area DA in the normal display mode.

The always-on mode may be a mode for always displaying a predeterminedimage on a part of the display area DA even if the user does notintentionally operate the display device DD to receive the image IMthrough the display device DD. In the always-on mode, only a part of thelight emitting elements of the light emitting element layer ELL may emitlight.

In the always-on mode, since a predetermined image is always displayedin a part of the display area DA, the power consumed in the always-onmode is smaller than the power consumed in the normal display mode.Therefore, in this specification, the normal display mode may beunderstood as a normal mode, and the always-on mode may be understood asa low power mode.

When the user's input is applied, it may be switched from the always-onmode to the normal display mode. Also, when the user input is applied,the normal display mode may be switched to the always-on mode. At thistime, the user's input may be to press or touch a portion of the displaydevice DD. However, the input of the user is not limited thereto, andthe type of the user input may be changed as necessary.

The images displayed in the always-on mode will be described below withreference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D.

Each of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrates a modified exemplaryembodiment corresponding to the AA portion of FIG. 1. Specifically, eachof FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrates that an always-on image IM-A isdisplayed on a part of the display area DA in an always-on mode. Thealways-on image IM-A may be displayed adjacent to the boundary BDbetween the functional area FA and the display area DA.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the always-on image IM-A displayed in the displayarea DA may be a clock needle image of the clock. At this time, theboundary BD or the functional area FA may be viewed by the user as arotation axis on which the clock needle rotates.

Therefore, information corresponding to the current time may be formedby a combination of the always-on image IM-A and the boundary BD, or acombination of the always-on image IM-A and the functional area FA.

In FIG. 3A, the always-on image IM-A is displayed based on 10:30 am, andthe always-on image IM-A may be changed corresponding to the currenttime. For example, the always-on image IM-A may display a clock facecorresponding to the current time.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the always-on image IM-A displayed in the displayarea DA may be a part of the ring-shaped band. At this time, theboundary BD or the functional area FA may be viewed by the user as areference for the rotation of the ring-shaped band.

Therefore, information corresponding to the remaining battery level maybe formed by a combination of the always-on image IM-A and the boundaryBD, or a combination of the always-on image IM-A and the functional areaFA.

In FIG. 3B, only the 75% portion of the ring-shaped band is displayed onthe always-on image IM-A based on the charging rate of 75%, and as theremaining battery level changes, the always-on image IM-A may becorrespondingly changed.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the always-on image IM-A displayed in the displayarea DA may be a compass needle image. At this time, the boundary BD orthe functional area FA may be viewed by the user as a rotation axis onwhich the compass needle rotates.

Therefore, information corresponding to the point of the compass may beformed by a combination of the always-on image IM-A and the boundary BD,or a combination of the always-on image IM-A and the functional area FA.

In FIG. 3C, the always-on image IM-A is displayed based on the directionindicated by the upper end part of the display device DD, and as thedirection of the upper end part of the display device DD changes, thealways-on image IM-A may be correspondingly changed.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the always-on image IM-A displayed in the displayarea DA may be a ring-shaped band whose color changes according to thefine particulate matter density. At this time, the boundary BD or thefunctional area FA may be viewed by the users as a central part of thering-shaped band.

Therefore, information corresponding to the fine particulate matterdensity may be formed by a combination of the always-on image IM-A andthe boundary BD, or a combination of the always-on image IM-A and thefunctional area FA.

FIG. 3D illustrates that the always-on image IM-A displays a state inwhich the fine particulate matter density being low, and the always-onimage IM-A may be correspondingly changed as the fine particulate matterdensity varies. For example, when the fine particulate matter density islow, the color of the always-on image IM-A is green, and when the fineparticulate matter density is normal, the color of the always-on imageIM-A is yellow, when the fine particulate matter density is high, thecolor of the always-on image IM-A may be red.

If the functional area FA and boundary BD are visible to users, theaesthetics of the display device DD may be deteriorated, but as shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, by displaying the always-on image IM-Aadjacent to the functional area FA and boundary BD, the display deviceDD may provide useful information to the users with improved userrecognition.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary display device DD-1 according to anexemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, a display area DA, a non-display area NDA, a firstfunctional area FA1, and a second functional area FA2 may be defined inthe display device DD-1.

Each of the first functional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2may be defined as an area where an image WI is not displayed and a usermay perform a specific function. The specific function may include, forexample, a photographing function, an external object proximitydetection function, an infrared ray detection function, an irisrecognition function, a face recognition function, or a light emissionfunction. To perform this specific function, the functional module CMshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be disposed in each of the first functionalarea FA1 and the second functional area FA2.

Each of the first functional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2may be surrounded by the display area DA. The first boundary BD1 betweenthe first functional area FA1 and the display area DA may be viewed bythe users of the display device DD. The second boundary BD2 between thesecond functional area FA2 and the display area DA may be viewed by theusers of the display device DD. In addition, the first functional areaFA1 and the second functional area FA2 themselves are distinguished fromthe display area DA and may be viewed by users.

Other descriptions with respect to FIG. 4 are substantially the same asthose described with reference to FIG. 1.

Each of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrates a modified exemplaryembodiment corresponding to the BB portion of FIG. 4. Specifically, eachof FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrates that an always-on image IM-A isdisplayed on a part of the display area DA in an always-on mode. Atleast a part of the always-on image IM-A may be displayed adjacent tothe boundary BD between the functional area FA and the display area DA.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the always-on image IM-A may include first tothird always-on images IM-A1, IM-A2, and IM-A3. The always-on image IM-Ashown in FIG. 5A is an example of an emoticon (or an emoji) that may bedisplayed in a situation in which the display device DD-1 provides analarm signal.

The first always-on image IM-A1 is an image formed adjacent to the firstfunctional area FA1, and the second always-on image IM-A2 is an imageformed adjacent to the second functional area FA2. The first always-onimage IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2 may be recognized bythe user as the character's eyes.

The third always-on image IM-A3 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The thirdalways-on image IM-A3 may be recognized by the user as the character'smouth.

Therefore, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by combining the first to third always-on images IM-A1,IM-A2, and IM-A3.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstfunctional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2 are visible tothe users, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by a combination of the first functional area FA1, thesecond functional area FA2, and the third always-on image IM-A3.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstboundary BD1 and the second boundary BD2 are visible to the users,information corresponding to the face shape of the character may beformed by a combination of the first boundary BD1, the second boundaryBD2, and the third always-on image IM-A3.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the always-on image IM-A may include first tofourth always-on images IM-A1, IM-A2, IM-A3 and IM-A4. The always-onimage IM-A shown in FIG. 5B is an example of an emoticon that may bedisplayed when the battery of the display device DD-1 is fully charged.

The first always-on image IM-A1 is an image formed adjacent to the firstfunctional area FA1, and the second always-on image IM-A2 is an imageformed adjacent to the second functional area FA2. The first always-onimage IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2 may be recognized bythe user as the character's eyes.

The third always-on image IM-A3 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The thirdalways-on image IM-A3 may be recognized by the user as the character'smouth.

The fourth always-on image IM-A4 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The fourthalways-on image IM-A4 may be recognized as a supplementary image or acharacter's nose for showing the expression of the character to theuser.

Therefore, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by combining the first to fourth always-on images IM-A1,IM-A2, IM-A3, and IM-A4.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstfunctional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2 are visible tothe users, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by a combination of the first functional area FA1, thesecond functional area FA2, the third always-on image IM-A3, and thefourth always-on image IM-A4.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstboundary BD1 and the second boundary BD2 are visible to the users,information corresponding to the face shape of the character may beformed by a combination of the first boundary BD1, the second boundaryBD2, the third always-on image IM-A3, and the fourth always-on imageIM-A4.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the always-on image IM-A may include first tofourth always-on images IM-A1, IM-A2, IM-A3 and IM-A4. The always-onimage IM-A shown in FIG. 5C is an example of an emoticon that may bedisplayed in a situation where the battery of the display device DD-1 isinsufficient.

The first always-on image IM-A1 is an image formed adjacent to the firstfunctional area FA1, and the second always-on image IM-A2 is an imageformed adjacent to the second functional area FA2. The first always-onimage IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2 may be recognized bythe user as the character's eyes.

The third always-on image IM-A3 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The thirdalways-on image IM-A3 may be recognized by the user as the character'smouth.

The fourth always-on image IM-A4 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The fourthalways-on image IM-A4 may be recognized as a supplementary image or acharacter's tears for showing the expression of the character to theuser. Specifically, in FIG. 5C, the fourth always-on image IM-A4 may berecognized as a tear formed in the periphery of the character's eyes.

Therefore, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by combining the first to fourth always-on images IM-A1,IM-A2, IM-A3, and IM-A4.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstfunctional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2 are visible tothe users, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by a combination of the first functional area FA1, thesecond functional area FA2, the third always-on image IM-A3, and thefourth always-on image IM-A4.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstboundary BD1 and the second boundary BD2 are visible to the users,information corresponding to the face shape of the character may beformed by a combination of the first boundary BD1, the second boundaryBD2, the third always-on image IM-A3, and the fourth always-on imageIM-A4.

Referring to FIG. 5D, the always-on image IM-A may include first tothird always-on images IM-A1, IM-A2, and IM-A3. The always-on image IM-Ashown in FIG. 5D is an example of an emoticon that may be displayed in asituation where the display device DD-1 is downloading a specific fileor in a situation of being loaded to execute a specific file.

The first always-on image IM-A1 is an image formed adjacent to the firstfunctional area FA1, and the second always-on image IM-A2 is an imageformed adjacent to the second functional area FA2. The first always-onimage IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2 may be recognized bythe user as the character's eyes.

The third always-on image IM-A3 may be formed apart from the firstalways-on image IM-A1 and the second always-on image IM-A2. The thirdalways-on image IM-A3 may be recognized by the user as the character'smouth. Alternatively, the third always-on image IM-A3 may be recognizedby the user as an image for indicating the progress bar to which thedisplay device DD-1 downloads the file or an image for displaying thedegree of loading of the file.

Therefore, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by combining the first to third always-on images IM-A1,IM-A2, and IM-A3.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstfunctional area FA1 and the second functional area FA2 are visible tothe users, information corresponding to the face shape of the charactermay be formed by a combination of the first functional area FA1, thesecond functional area FA2, and the third always-on image IM-A3.

In an exemplary embodiment, even if the first always-on image IM-A1 andthe second always-on image IM-A2 are not displayed, since the firstboundary BD1 and the second boundary BD2 are visible to the users,information corresponding to the face shape of the character may beformed by a combination of the first boundary BD1, the second boundaryBD2, and the third always-on image IM-A3.

Although FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D illustrate exemplarily formingpredetermined information utilizing the first functional area FA1 andthe second functional area FA2, exemplary embodiments are not limitedthereto, and may be variously expanded.

According to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide adisplay device with improved esthetics in the always-on mode. Further,it is possible to provide a display device that continuously providesnecessary information to the user through the always-on mode.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of theappended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalentarrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display panelcomprising: a first area defined by an area corresponding to an openingin the display panel, the first area configured not to display an image;and a display area surrounding the first area, the display areaconfigured to display an image; and a boundary between the first areaand the display area, wherein the display area includes a first boundaryarea surrounding the boundary and adjacent to the boundary and thedisplay panel is configured to display a first boundary image in thefirst boundary area, wherein the display device is configured to providean information to a user through a combination of the first boundaryimage and at least one of the first area and the boundary.
 2. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the display panel further comprises afirst functional module disposed in the opening at a lower part of thedisplay panel overlapping the first area.
 3. The display device of claim2, wherein the first functional module configured to receive light fromthe opening and/or emit light through the opening.
 4. The display deviceof claim 2, wherein the first functional module further comprise asensor for receiving light incident through the opening.
 5. The displaydevice of claim 2, wherein the first functional module further comprisesa light emitting module for emitting light through the opening.
 6. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the information comprises statusinformation indicating a current status.
 7. The display device of claim6, wherein the status information comprises information corresponding toa current time.
 8. The display device of claim 6, wherein the statusinformation comprises information corresponding to a remaining batterylevel of the display device.
 9. The display device of claim 6, whereinthe status information comprises information corresponding to points ofa compass.
 10. The display device of claim 1, wherein the informationcorresponds to an alarm signal.
 11. The display device of claim 1,wherein the information is an emoticon having a specific expression. 12.The display device of claim 1, wherein the first area overlaps anopening formed in the display panel.
 13. The display device of claim 1,wherein the display panel comprises a base layer, a circuit layerdisposed on the base layer, a light emitting element layer disposed onthe circuit layer, and an encapsulation layer sealing the light emittingelement layer, wherein the first area overlaps a first opening formed onthe circuit layer and a second opening formed on the light emittingelement layer.
 14. The display device of claim 1, further comprising asecond area surrounded by the display area, the second area configurednot to display an image.
 15. The display device of claim 14, furthercomprising a second functional module disposed under the display paneloverlapping the second area.
 16. The display device of claim 15, whereinthe display panel is configured to display a second boundary image in asecond boundary area adjacent to the second area in response to thedisplay device being in a first mode, wherein the display device isconfigured to, in the first mode, provide the information to the user bythe first area, the second area, the first boundary image, and thesecond boundary image.
 17. The display device of claim 1, wherein thedisplay panel is configured to: display the first boundary image inresponse to the display device being in a first mode; display a generalimage in the entire display area in response to the display device beingin a second mode; and switch from the first mode to the second modeaccording to an input signal received from the user.
 18. The displaydevice of claim 17, wherein the first mode is a lower power modecompared to the second mode.